Crystal Hawk, MEd, RT, is a Gestalt psychotherapist/educator and Therapeutic Touch and Emotional Freedom Techniques practitioner. She has taught Therapeutic Touch for over 40 years, studying with its developers, the late Dolores Krieger and the late Dora Kunz. She co-founded the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario. Crystal was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in The Nurse Healers-Professional Associates International (USA) and is a Qualified Teacher of the American Therapeutic Touch organization. She has also received their first International Award for bringing Therapeutic Touch to Canada.

Now I can see how one day on the golf course can build community and bring crucial mental health support to those living with cancer and those who care for them. Now I can ensure these services are available to families like mine when they need them the most.  

The best part is connecting families with other families going through a similar experience in their cancer journey. It lets them know they’re not alone and can face the experience together as a community.

I struggled and needed to talk about what I was going through. The give and take in the group support sessions were remarkable. I got a lot more out of it than I ever anticipated from Gilda's Toronto.

I was in a “warrior” state but knew I needed more than the medical treatment and found it at Gilda’s Toronto.

We found out about Gilda’s Toronto, and they had a lot of information for me as her primary caregiver and for younger individuals, like our son. I signed up for one of their caregiver support groups. I found the psychosocial care I needed at Gilda’s Toronto, which was a relief. It was a supportive environment where we all shared similar experiences. 

A friend suggested I seek out a support group, something I would never have considered. I’m a private person, and I pride myself on always solving my own problems. 

I was diagnosed with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in February 2021, when I was 37. It was an incredibly shocking and terrifying diagnosis.

“Congratulations to Gilda’s Club on the work that’s been done with its Resilient Communities Fund grant,” said Jessica Bell, MPP for University-Rosedale. “Your ongoing work supporting and empowering people affected by cancer is critical. Thank you for your commitment and dedication throughout the pandemic and beyond.”

"We are honoured to be chosen as the charity of choice by Juniper Park\TBWA for this initiative on Facebook," said Elizabeth Dalgleish, Executive Director of Gilda’s Toronto. "A new social tool like Post Mortem Post will help people build their digital legacy with the ability to direct tribute gifts in their memory to organizations like Gilda’s Toronto.”